Exotic snakes have been known to bite while being handled carelessly, or when they escape from their cages.

There's also a risk of being bitten while travelling abroad to tropical countries.

What to do after a snake bite

Immediately after being bitten by a snake you should:

remain calm and don't panic – snake bites, particularly those that occur in the UK, usually aren't serious and are only very rarely deadly

try to remember the shape, size and colour of the snake

keep the part of your body that's been bitten as still as possible to prevent the venom spreading around your body

remove jewellery and watches from the bitten limb as they could cut into your skin if the limb swells

do not attempt to remove any clothing, but loosen clothing if possible

seek immediate medical attention

If you or someone you're with is bitten by a snake, you should NOT:

try to suck the venom out of the bite

try to cut the venom out of the bite or make it bleed

rub anything into the wound or apply ice, heat or chemicals

leave someone who's been bitten on their own

put anything around the bitten limb to stop the spread of venom (such as a tight pressure band, tourniquet or ligature) as it won't help, and can cause swelling or make it worse; it could also damage the limb, leading to the need for amputation

You should give healthcare professionals a description of the snake to help identify it.

You may be admitted to hospital so the bite can be assessed and your condition closely monitored.

Symptoms of snake bites

Venomous snakes can sometimes bite without injecting venom. This is called a "dry bite", and it causes mild pain from the snake's teeth puncturing the skin as well as anxiety.

If, after an adder bite, there are no other symptoms, such as swelling, it's probably a dry bite.

You should still visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as signs that venom has been injected might not appear until later – up to two hours or more after an adder bite, or even longer after an exotic snake bite.

Venomous snake bites (adder and foreign)

Adder and foreign snake bites can cause similar symptoms.

Symptoms of an adder bite when venom has been injected include:

severe pain at the location of the bite

swelling, redness and bruising at the location of the bite, spreading up the bitten limb

Treating snake bites

In most cases, you'll need to stay in hospital for a short period after a snake bite. This is so staff can keep you under observation in case you develop symptoms that suggest venom has been injected.

As a precaution, you may be asked to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours so your blood pressure and general health can be monitored.

Antivenoms

Antivenoms are antidotes to snake venom and are used to treat more severe snake bites. They contain antibodies, which are proteins that neutralise the effects of the snake's venom toxins.

In some people, antivenoms can trigger a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, so it's important you're closely monitored after receiving this treatment. Anaphylaxis is treated with adrenaline.

Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, antivenom should only be given by a qualified healthcare professional.

If the snake bite is severe and your blood pressure has fallen significantly, you may need intravenous fluids administered directly into a vein in your arm. You may also need a blood transfusion if you've lost a lot of blood.

Recovery

Recovery times for snake bites can vary depending on the species of snake involved.

In most cases, children bitten by an adder will make a full recovery in one to two weeks.

Adults usually take more than three weeks to recover fully, with a quarter taking between one to nine months. Early treatment with antivenom can reduce these times.

During the recovery period, you may experience episodes of pain and swelling in the area that's been bitten.

These symptoms can usually be controlled by taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, and continuing to exercise the limb.

Preventing snake bites

Follow the advice listed below if you're in an area where venomous snakes are found:

look out for warning notices on heaths and commons

wear boots and long trousers

never pick up a snake, even if you think it's harmless or it appears dead

never put your hand in a hole or crevice (for example, between rocks) – if you need to retrieve something, stand well back and use a stick to reach it

if you find yourself very close to a snake, stand completely still – most snakes only strike at moving targets, so the snake will escape without harming you if you remain calm and still

Travelling abroad

If you're bitten by a snake while abroad, you should assume it's a medical emergency and contact the relevant emergency medical services.

If you're travelling to an area where there's a risk of being bitten by a snake, make sure you know how to contact emergency medical services in that country.

When travelling abroad, carry a first aid kit that contains medications, such as painkillers, antacids (for indigestion) and rehydration sachets (for diarrhoea). It should also include plasters, non-adherent dressings and bandages, insect repellent, and sun cream.